Walsall welcome Chesterfield to the Bescot Stadium for the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final, holding a 2-0 lead after a clinical first-leg performance. With the tie still alive, this return fixture has all the ingredients for a high-scoring encounter.
Walsall have been the most prolific home side in the division, averaging 2.10 goals per game and generating 1.74 xG per match. While they have not won any of their last six at home, they continue to create and score consistently, making them a threat in front of goal.
Chesterfield come into the game needing to score at least twice, ensuring an aggressive setup. Away from home, they have averaged 1.48 goals and 1.26 xG, proving they can generate chances. However, they concede 1.33 goals per away game and often leave themselves exposed – especially if Walsall score first.
Walsall’s record against top-six sides strengthens the case for goals. In 12 matches against such opponents, they have gone W7-D3-L2, with eight of those games producing over 2.5 goals. These matchups often follow an open, high-tempo pattern.
With Chesterfield forced to push forward and Walsall dangerous on the break and from set plays, this match is likely to open up quickly. If Chesterfield pull a goal back, it could trigger a late-game surge in attacking chances.
How the bookies view it: Walsall to run out winners
Walsall are 6/5 to win in 90 minutes with Chesterfield priced at 12/5, with the draw at 13/5, reflecting the uphill task they face. They will need to attack and take risks to get back into the tie.
In the goals markets, Over 2.5 Goals is 10/11, nearly a 50/50 split on whether there will be three or more. Both Teams to Score is 8/11, implying a 58% chance—logical given Chesterfield’s need to chase and Walsall’s threat in transition and from set plays.
Head to head: Home side edge it
Walsall and Chesterfield met twice during season, with Walsall unbeaten across both games. The first clash ended in a 2–2 draw at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium, while the return fixture saw Walsall win 3–1 at home. That strong head-to-head form continued into the play-offs, where Walsall secured a 2–0 away victory in the first leg of their semi-final.
Overall, the teams have faced each other 26 times in competitive fixtures. Walsall hold a narrow advantage with W10-D7-L9.
Players to watch: Allen again
Taylor Allen has been a standout performer for Walsall. Primarily a left-sided defender, he has offered significant attacking threat, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 45 League Two appearances. Across the season, he has taken 56 shots, with 23 on target, underlining his regular involvement in the final third. His recent form has been especially impressive – over his last 13 games, Allen has scored five times from 23 shots, with eight hitting the target. He has recorded two or more shots in seven of those matches and hit the target at least once in eight. He also scored in the first leg.
Predicted line-ups
Chesterfield will turn to Will Grigg to lead the line. Armando Dobra and Jack Sparkes could offer attacking support from the bench if passed fit. However, their squad is stretched by injuries, with Chey Dunkley, Janoi Donacien, Ryheem Sheckleford, Bailey Hobson, Mike Jones, and Vontae Daley-Campbell all ruled out. Ollie Banks and Paddy Madden are also doubts and will face late fitness tests.
Walsall will be without Connor Barrett due to suspension, while Jack Earing and Priestley Farquharson are side lined through injury.
Walsall: Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen, Asiimwe; Stirk, Chang, Gordon, Jellis; Hall, Mat
Chesterfield: Boot; Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean, Gordon; Fleck, Metcalfe, Naylor; Olakigbe, Colclough, Grigg
Anything else catch the eye?
Chesterfield trail 2-0 and have no choice but to attack, while Walsall, despite their lead, have not looked defensively secure in recent months.
Walsall have scored in all but two home games this season, but their clean sheet record has declined sharply. They have conceded in each of their last nine at the Bescot and kept just four clean sheets in their final 18 regular season matches. Despite a strong home xGA of 0.89, their defensive execution has clearly fallen below those underlying numbers.
Chesterfield, who average 1.48 goals per away match, will need to be aggressive from the first whistle. With Will Grigg up front and a high-energy style, they are well-equipped to create chances. However, that same attacking intent often leaves them open, especially in games where they need to chase.
Walsall’s games against top-six sides also point towards goals at both ends. Both teams to score has landed in eight of 12 such matches, with Walsall conceding in nine. These matchups tend to be more open and played at a higher tempo — conditions that favour attacking football.
This English League Two match between Walsall and Chesterfield will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Walsall vs Chesterfield prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
GambleAware